A Clean Slate!

October 31, 2018 marked the completion of DayStar Ministries 5^th year in operation. The first five years of any organization are crucial from a business standpoint. Over those five years many stories could be told of the goodness, mercy and grace of God. We have been honored to help churches, individuals, couples and families. To God be the glory!

DayStar Ministries is registered with the State of Oregon as a Non-Profit organization. I have desired to obtain a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As a result of discussions with an attorney and a CPA, I filed for this status during the month of October, 2018.

One question both the attorney and CPA wanted to know is if DayStar Ministries had been filing an annual form 990 with the IRS. Well, I felt like the disciples of John referenced in Acts 19. I had not even heard whether there was such a thing as a form 990. So, the short and long answer was, “No!”

The Letter from the IRS

In the middle of November 2018, I received a letter from the IRS. I opened the letter somewhat nervously since I knew I had not filed the form 990 annually and was not sure what those ramifications  would be.

The first paragraph announced the IRS was pleased to announce DayStar Ministries now qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization. The letter continued to inform me that donors may now deduct contributions and DayStar Ministries is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522. I didn’t understand all this but if you do, feel free to take advantage. I was feeling pretty good.

As I continued reading the letter, I found out since I had not filed the annual form 990 for the last three consecutive years, our exempt status will be automatically revoked. This didn’t sound good. They proceeded to give helpful information of where I could go to find this information in the tax code.

An addendum was added. It let me know that this letter served to reinstate DayStar Ministries exempt status. By now I was thoroughly confused and since God is not the author of confusion, I decided contacting the IRS directly was the thing to do. So, once the weekend was over, I did.

The Phone Call with the IRS

My phone call to the IRS lasted at least twenty minutes. I was connected to possibly the nicest person in the IRS. She was patient with me and explained in a variety of ways what the letter was attempting to say in “IRS language” (her words).

When she got done her many explanations, she said, “I can wrap up everything I told you in one sentence.” This, of course, was of interest to me. She continued, “As far as the IRS is concerned, DayStar Ministries has a clean slate!”

It didn’t take me long to go from a state of confusion of having a big grin on my face. I replied, “I understand that. You could have started with that and I would have understood.” I gave my thankful appreciation and we ceased the conversation. I sat in my seat for a few minutes unable to remove the grin from my face. I was free of any past indiscretions on my part. As far as the IRS is concerned, we have a clean slate. It’s like I was told, “We (the IRS) recognize your transgressions but are not condemning you for it. Just start filing the right form each year on time.”

The Real Clean Slate

My mind went from that thought to realizing, every time I repent of my sin or transgression, my God wipes my slate clean. Each time I repent, I walk away with a clean slate. How cool is that?! It’s impressive to have a clean slate with the IRS but to have a clean slate with the King of Kings is far superior. As I’m thinking this, I still have the grin on my face but the awe has surpassed my previous awe.

My mind kept working. I am a human. I work with humans. In working with humans, I don’t spend much time on the surface. I’ve been referred to as a soul surgeon, but really all I do is hold the flashlight and help open doors so the real Soul Surgeon can do His work.

Many people have a hard time forgiving other people. Sometimes it is humanly impossible to let go of an offense committed and walk away as if nothing ever happened. I have inwardly cried at times with clients as they explained the horrendous acts commented against them. They ask me how they can forgive the perpetrator.

How Can I Forgive?

Many people have a hard time forgiving themselves. Sometimes individuals blame themselves for the acts committed against them. They claim to deserve what has happened to them. Other times people can’t forgive themselves for actions they have committed against humanity. They want to know how it is possible to forgive themselves.

I would love to expound upon this further. However, let me capsulize the concept for you. True and lasting forgiveness cannot be accomplished outside of Jesus Christ. If Jesus is in you, if His Spirit resides in you, you are walking around with a clean slate.

Picture yourself living as a clean slate. Then imaging yourself failing and committing any number of atrocities. Now your slate is a mess. It is anything but clean. Next, you humble yourself in the sight of God and man and ask for forgiveness wherever necessary. Now, you are a clean slate again. That’s really how it works. Unfortunately for many humans, we tend to overcomplicate the simple.

Have Faith in the Word of God

Just believe Him. Uncomplicate the process. The Word of God is true. With God you have a clean slate. Since you have a clean slate with God, honor Him by giving yourself a clean slate. Continue to honor Him by giving others a clean slate.

I remember trying to clean the chalk board while a student in school. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get it entirely clean.

No matter how hard we try to have a clean slate and to give a clean slate, we can’t do it entirely without the help of Jesus Christ.

Freely you have received a clean slate, freely give a clean slate—both to yourself and others.

Think about it for a while. Don’t be surprised if you get a grin on your face too! What a great way to start a new year.

And, remember, DayStar Ministries now has 501(c)(3) status…